Apply for your tourist visa
Confirm where to apply based on your passport and legal residence, then prepare your documents.
Prepare your application
Start with the official document list for your passport, purpose and legal residence.
Submit through the official channel
Follow the official instructions for where and how to submit.
Review the decision before departure
Check the passport details, dates and entry conditions on the permission you receive.
Check your stay and passport validity
Enter your arrival and departure dates to count your stay and check how long your passport must stay valid.
Travel preparation checklist
Check each item’s requirement level and the conditions that apply.
Your circumstances may require additional documents. Ticks track preparation, not eligibility or admission.
Fees and processing time
Plan your budget and travel dates with the published fees and timing guidance.
What it costs
- Approximate yen equivalent of the single-entry fee (from 1 July 2026)
- JPY 15,000
Published government charges. Check the official service for the final total before you pay. Additional service or payment charges may apply.
5 working days
Count from the day after the mission receives the application and assume the documents have no problems. High application volume may cause delays; additional examination by MOFA in Tokyo can take more than a month. Apply early and follow the local mission’s current lead time.
A processing estimate is not a guaranteed travel date.
Japan arrival steps
Check the timing and conditions for each arrival step.
Visit Japan Web
Prepare immigration and customs information online. Online preparation is optional and does not grant a visa.
Arrival guidanceEntry conditions and exceptions
Check whether these rules affect your eligibility, application, or arrival.
Japan visa exemptions depend on nationality; applications depend on residence
Japan's visa exemption depends on your nationality and passport type. If you need a visitor visa, your legal residence determines which Japanese mission handles the application and may affect the application channel. MOFA lists eligible visa-required residents of Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Taiwan, the U.K. and U.S. for single-entry tourism eVisas. Living in a visa-exempt country does not make your passport visa-exempt; check the mission serving your residence.
Official guidanceJapan medicine rules: Adderall is prohibited; Vyvanse needs approval
Japan generally allows personal-use prescription medicine up to a one-month supply and other medicines up to two months without an Import Confirmation; some product types have different quantity limits. Adderall (amphetamine) is prohibited even with a prescription, while Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) needs advance permission, which travelers should request at least 14 days ahead. Check active ingredients, form and quantity with MHLW before travel.
Official guidanceJapan’s visa checklist depends on where you apply
The Japanese mission serving your legal residence sets the required documents, application channel and local appointment process. Use its current checklist for your nationality and purpose; do not assume another country’s checklist applies.
Official guidanceBefore and during your visit to Japan
Keep your accommodation details together
Save your first accommodation’s name, address, postcode and contact number with your itinerary so you can find them while completing arrival information.
Japan travel essentials
- Capital
- Tokyo
- Currency
- JPY
- Calling code
- +81
Japan entry questions
Do Ethiopian citizens need a visa for Japan?
For tourism in Japan, ordinary passport holders from Ethiopia need a visa before travel. The stay limit is 90 days per visit.
How long can I stay in Japan?
The short-visit limit is 90 days per visit. Your actual permission can be shorter; check the dates and conditions you receive.
How much passport validity do I need?
Valid for your entire stay.
How much is the government fee?
Approximate yen equivalent of the single-entry fee (from 1 July 2026): JPY 15,000 for one entry. Additional service or payment charges apply.
How long does a decision take?
5 working days. Count from the day after the mission receives the application and assume the documents have no problems. High application volume may cause delays; additional examination by MOFA in Tokyo can take more than a month. Apply early and follow the local mission’s current lead time.
Do I need to complete Visit Japan Web?
Optional for this route. Prepare immigration and customs information online. Online preparation is optional and does not grant a visa.
What if I’m going to work, study or stay longer?
This guide is for a short tourist visit on an ordinary passport. It does not establish eligibility for employment, study or residence. Use the destination’s official guidance for your actual purpose.
Does my country of residence change the answer?
Passport nationality and legal residence are different. This page starts with your passport. Residence can change where you apply and which application channel is available; an existing visa or residence permit may also create an exception. Check the official eligibility guidance for your circumstances.
Official visa and entry guidance
Confirm Japan’s requirements directly with government authorities.
Check Japan’s visa application procedure
A short-stay visa must be obtained before travel. Apply through the Japanese mission, accredited agency, visa centre or online channel specified for your legal residence; Japan does not issue this visa on arrival or inside the country.
Open Visit Japan Web
Check Japan’s visa exemption list
Passport eligibility, visit limits and document exceptions.
Find the Japanese mission for your residence
Visa procedures and jurisdiction depend on where you legally live. Use the mission serving your residence, then check its current local document list and appointment rules.
Who this guide covers
Short tourist visits to Japan with an ordinary Ethiopia passport. Residence, travel documents, and purpose can affect the rules. Confirm the official guidance before travel; border authorities decide admission and your permitted stay.
Suggest a correctionhttps://visadir.com/requirements/japan/ethiopia